“Then don’t worry about anything else.”
She smiles, looking more like her usual self. “Okay.”
I’m glad she looks in awe at the idea, but what she doesn’t know is that I’ve already thought about the things she might not have considered.
Specifically to do with Josh.
I might have decided to risk my friendship with him but heisher brother.
Harper is a strong-minded woman. Even though she wants to be with me, it will break her heart if she’s put in the position where she might have to choose between Josh or me.
Here’s me being selfish again and hoping that if that happens she’ll choose me.
If she doesn’t—because I won’t make her—then I’ve made my choice.
Which is to take whatever time I can get with her.
Staying with Harper means cutting off all other avenues to finding a wife.
I have six weeks before my father’s deadline then I’m locked in for three months.
If Harper and I don’t work out I’ll have one big decision to make.Marry Portia or forget the CFO position in the company.
I’m not marrying Portia—or anyone else—so… I’d choose the latter.
It’s not what I want, but while I was away I realized that I can’t see myself with anyone else but Harper.
That is my truth.
“How about we start with you going with me to St. Barts?” I say, knowing she’ll be excited to getaway for a while.
She gasps. “What? Where did that come from?”
“I need to be there for a little over two weeks on business. I landed the deal in Hong Kong. I fly out Friday. Come with me?”
“Really?”
“Yeah. You start classes the week after. It’s perfect timing.”
She laughs. “You’ve thought about this already.”
“In detail.”
“I haven’t been on a vacation in years.”
“Then come with me. Let’s get away from here and spend time together. It will be fun.” And I’ll have her all to myself.
“Yes. A million yesses.”
I smile and pull her in for a kiss. “Thank you.”
“No. Thankyou.”
We fall into a deeper kiss and I think of all the things I want to do to her and with her.
In my heart I know I’ll never be able to let her go.
Even if she wants me to.